Central Otago, Oamaru & Southern Scenic Route Tour
Victorian Celebrations!
From TE ANAU: Cromwell, Danseys Pass, Oamaru, Dunedin, Catlins
The best scenery & culture that New Zealand has to offer
13 - 19 NOV 2020 from Te Anau
This tour showcases some of the best scenery that New Zealand has to offer. We will experience the heritage of Cromwell, Clyde & St Bathams & Central Otago plains, Danseys Pass, victorian Oamaru, the historic architecture of Dunedin, coastal areas with golden beaches, beautiful native forests resembling the age of the Gondwana ancient supercontinent, as well as the opportunity to experience some of the more well-known regional attractions.
Welcome to our small-group (10 maximum) tour onboard our modern minibus, where you will be escorted around the area’s highlights.
The area we would like to show you has far more to offer than we can squeeze into our standard tours! Therefore we would like to offer you an option to tailor your trip according to your particular interests.
For instance, we can add a trip to the delightful Stewart Island, an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, or a visit to the other remote fjords of Fiordland. Perhaps car enthusiasts will enjoy time in Invercargill visiting the Classic Motorcycle Mecca and Bill Richardson Transport World - Truck & Car Museum. Machinery and vintage car enthusiasts will be amazed at how many unique museums and collections there are in Southland.
Please ask us any questions so we can properly fulfill your travel dreams.
Day 1: From Te Anau to Cromwell & St Bathams (Friday 13 NOV)
Today we will travel via Queenstown to Central Otago. We can stop at a few scenic spots, we will have a stroll in Cromwell Heritage Precinct and visit local winery/wineries. In the afternoon we will visit historic Clyde and St Bathans.
Accommodation: St Bathans / Naseby / Ranfurly (according to group size, interest & availability).
Day 2: Naseby, Danseys Pass, Oamaru (Saturday 14 NOV)
We will take a less traveled back road via Dansey Pass to Oamaru. We will enjoy the best of Victorian heritage. Oamaru Harbour is New Zealand's only surviving authentic Victorian/Edwardian deepwater port, paralleling the town's uniquely intact colonial architectural inheritance. In colonial New Zealand, ports were fundamental to the local and regional economy. The success of the town and the rural industries can only be understood in the context of the construction of a successful port on what had been a hazardous coastline. Because the port closed to commercial shipping at the end of the conventional shipping era in 1974, it retains a unique assortment of heritage wharves, seawalls, sheds, rails and other features.
If we visit Oamaru on the Victorian Celebrations weekend, we will be in the town before 12pm to enjoy Southroads Grand Parade
Accommodation: Oamaru
Day 3: Oamaru and Moeraki (Sunday 15 NOV)
In the morning we will continue visiting Oamaru (especially via Victorian Celebrations)
In the afternoon we will visit Moeraki and have dinner in famous Fleurs Place. (Fleurs Place is closed on Monday, therefore we visit it on Sunday)
Accommodation: Oamaru
Day 4: Dunedin and Otago Peninsula (Monday 16 NOV)
Today we have the opportunity to visit the historic area. After lunch we will head to the Otago Peninsula and visit Larnach Castle with its beautiful gardens and later in the afternoon Yellow Eyed Penguin Place. We can briefly visit Tairoa Head’s with Royal Albatross Centre before returning to Dunedin.
Accommodation: Dunedin
Day 5: From Dunedin to Catlins (Tuesday 17 NOV)
In the morning we will finish what was left from the previous day (e.g. Dunedin Botanic Garden, historic town centre). We can walk to the famous Tunnel Beach or drive via Brighton & Taieri Mouth to enjoy several scenic stops. In the afternoon we will drive towards the stunning Catlins area and have the opportunity for an afternoon scenic stroll to Nugget Point.
Accommodation: Owaka
Day 6: Catlins to Invercargill (Wednesday 18 NOV)
We will spend most of the day on the beautiful Catlins coast. Here we can experience the Purakaunui Falls Walk, we might see New Zealand fur seals, visit The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai, and walk among the petrified forest at Curio Bay. If the tide allows, we will visit Cathedral Caves and more.
Accommodation: Invercargill.
Day 7: Lake Hauroko, Wairaurahiri Jet OR a cruise on Lake Hauroko (Thursday 19 NOV)
We will visit Lake Hauroko and (if weather permits) we can do a memorable jetboat cruise via Lake Hauroko to Wairaurahiri River or instead you might prefer a relaxing cruise on Lake Hauroko (the whole group must agree on one chosen activity). The jetboat excursion is a full day trip (this is a once in a lifetime experience taking you to one of the most remote rivers in New Zealand surrounded by mountains and temperate rain-forest plus you get to the ocean too - conditions permitting.) and the Lake Hauroko cruise is approx 2,5-3 hours. If time allows we will visit Dean Forest with the last remaining forest with huge totara trees. If weather does not allow us to visit Lake Hauroko we will explore other places on the way back to Te Anau.
Optional Extensions
We are happy to assist with all bookings and adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Invercargill - car enthusiasts will love the Classic Motorcycle Mecca and Bill Richardson Transport World - Truck & Car Museum.
From $1950
Tour for private groups on demand - please register your interest here and we will be in touch asap
7 days / 6 nights $1950*
Single supplement $90/night
*Per person based on double occupancy / twin share (8 pax minimum)
These prices are based on a basic package (can be tailored according to your demand from a budget to luxury trip)
Price includes:
average of 3.5* accommodation - motel / hotel
Breakfast (mix cooked & continental)
Transport in modern and comfortable 11 seater minibus
Driver/tour guide
Price excludes:
lunch, dinners
additional activities
Main (in bold) and some optional activities
Larnach Castle - Otago Peninsula
Yellow Eyed Penguin Place - Otago Peninsula
Cathedral Caves - Catlins
Jet boat cruise on Lake Hauroko and Wairaurahiri River (or a cruise on Lake Hauroko) - this is one of the most remote, still accessible places with remarkable scenery and virgin rainforest.
Wineries tasting
Victorian Celebrations activities